The 1997 Formula 1 season stands as one of the most fiercely contested of the decade, and the Ferrari F310B was central to that story. GP Replicas has chosen to document it at the race level, reproducing Irvine's car number 6 from the Canadian round on 15 June 1997 at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.
Ferrari F310B: The Chassis That Put Ferrari Back in the Fight
The F310B was Ferrari's evolution of its 046 chassis architecture for 1997, replacing the previous year's F310 with a revised aerodynamic package and, crucially, a longitudinal gearbox in place of the earlier transverse unit. That change improved rear weight distribution and gave the car a more balanced platform. The F310B gave Ferrari a genuine season-long championship challenge for the first time in years.
Montreal, 15 June 1997: The Canadian Grand Prix
The 1997 Canadian Grand Prix, Round 7 of the FIA Formula 1 World Championship, was held at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal. Michael Schumacher took victory in the sister car number 5; Eddie Irvine retired on the first lap in car number 6. The 1997 season became a season-long fight with Williams-Renault, resolved only at the final round in Jerez.
GP Replicas: Race-Specific Accuracy at 1:43
GP Replicas is a specialist producer of 1:43 Formula 1 models, distinguishing itself by releasing event-specific variants rather than generic season cars. This release represents car number 6 as it appeared at the 1997 Canadian Grand Prix specifically, with correct race number, livery markings and team graphics. The model delivers a clean surface finish suited to displaying the chevron detailing that defines this era of Ferrari F1 machinery.
In the Display Cabinet: Placing the Canadian GP Ferrari
At 1:43, this model sits comfortably alongside other GP Replicas Formula 1 releases from the 1990s without demanding significant shelf space. It pairs naturally with the Schumacher number 5 variant from the same Canadian Grand Prix, or with other F310B releases covering the 1997 season. Collectors focusing on Eddie Irvine's Ferrari career will find it a precise companion to the F399 from 1999, while those assembling a race-by-race 1997 season record will note its event-specific accuracy. The red and white chevron scheme also makes it visually distinctive within any broader Ferrari F1 chronology.
